With bills now moving through committees and on to the floor in the second house, Gov. Jerry Brown is beginning to take action on legislation that reaches his desk. The Governor on Thursday, July 2, signed League-sponsored AB 341 (Achadjian), an important measure that enhances local government transparency by adjusting the timing under which local agencies must submit financial and employee compensation data to the State Controller. This legislation goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

The California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) is hosting a free one-hour webinar on July 16 on a new program that can help cities and counties monetize their telecom assets. The League sponsors CSCDA.

Applications due Aug. 3

This year marks the first for the newly created Mayors and Council Members Department mentor program. Created by the department’s executive committee, the program provides an important resource — experienced elected officials to offer advice on the fast paced environment of city leadership.

The League has received word that hotel scammers are at it again. Some are saying hotel rates have dropped and may ask for your booking information. Beware of unauthorized housing and hotel reservation services (two examples are Global Travel Partners and Exhibitor Housing Services) that may solicit your business. They may say the League’s hotel block is sold out or use some other ploy to book you into a hotel for a room that may not exist. All legitimate communications regarding housing will come directly from the League of California Cities®.

The National League of Cities (NLC) 2015 Annual Leadership Summit will be held at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando, in Orlando, Florida, on Sept. 16-19. This year the theme of the program is “Leading through Tough Times.” Leadership scholars and experts will explore how to handle challenging community situations, and prepare local leaders to address real-world problems.